Neos Kosmos: Greek Australians Top Honours List
Posted by evdomada on January 31, 2008
by Harry Nicolaides
The Australia Day honours list for 2008 contains nine Greek Australians recognised for excellence in their contribution to their communities. Dr Spiro Moraitis CBE from Victoria was made an Officer of the Order of Australia with a citation for service to the Greek community through a range of executive roles with migrant assistance and aged welfare organisations, and to medicine as a general practitioner. Theo Steven Maras from South Australia was made a Member of the Order of Australia with a citation for service to the building and construction industry in South Australia, and to the Greek community through a range of administrative roles and the promotion of Hellenic culture and tradition in Australia. Marilynne Pamela Paspaley from the Northern Territory was made a Member of the Order of Australia with a citation for service to business and commerce through the marketing and promotion of pearls and Australian designed jewellery, and to the community. Maria Bouzanis from NSW was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia with a citation for service to the community through diabetes public awareness and fundraising activities, particularly in association with the Greek community. Tasha Vanos from NSW was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia with a citation for service to the Greek community, particularly through the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and through the promotion of Hellenic culture and traditions in Australia. Peter Constantine Coombes from NSW was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the community and the construction industry and as supporter of a range of charitable organisations. Sofia Mastoris from Victoria was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Greek community in Victoria particularly through the Pan Hellenic Women’s Federation. Stephen Paul Williams from Victoria was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to football and to the Greek community. Arthur Athans (Athanasiou) from Western Australia was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Greek community of Western Australia through a range of cultural, charitable and media organisations.
